22 Oct
Blog

TicWatch 3 Pro Review: Fast Performance, Long Battery Life

mobvoi ticwatch 3 pro review star face bag

"The latest Qualcomm processor and a clever second display system give the TicWatch 3 Pro good performance and long battery life, which fixes two common problems with the Wear operating system."

  • Three days of battery life

  • Latest Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor

  • Fast performance

  • The screen that is always on is now backlit

  • Wear OS is still frustrating

  • No color or strap selection

The most exciting thing about the Mobvoi TicWatch 3 Pro is what's inside. It is the first smartwatch available with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor. Many hope to be the savior of Wear OS with its higher performance and efficiency, and an incredible battery for serious endurance.

Yes, the Snapdragon Wear 4100 is a massive improvement over the geriatric Snapdragon Wear 3100 and really makes Wear OS more user-friendly than ever. However, it's not the magic bullet that helps kill the Apple Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3.

design

Mobvoi seems to have an aversion to changing the design of the Pro series. The TicWatch 3 Pro is a significant improvement over the first TicWatch Pro, but it's a shame that the knurled bezel and buttons from the Pro 4G / LTE model haven't been carried over. However, it's leaner and certainly not ugly. It's just a little bland with the single black color scheme. I'll be wearing this every day and the best wearables are an extension of your other fashion choices so I really would want more of a choice.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The watch is relatively compact with a 47mm case that weighs 41.9 grams, but there is no question that it is a male form. I cannot see the watch for women or those with smaller wrists. The case and caseback are made of plastic and don't feel particularly expensive, while the bezel is made of stainless steel and the strap is made of silicone with an orange tinge. It's soft and comfortable, and it hasn't got sweaty either.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

There are two buttons on the housing, the upper one opening the menu and the lower one being assigned to the TicExercise app immediately. However, it can be changed in the app of your choice. The top button on my test watch is very stiff and has not come loose over time, making it awkward and uncomfortable to press. The bottom button is far better, which makes me a little concerned about the overall build quality. Nevertheless, the watch was otherwise reliable.

screen

The design is a bit damp, but the screens are masterpieces. That's right, screens. The TicWatch Pro 3 has a bright and colorful 1.4-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels for Wear OS and a second FSTN LCD screen that acts as the permanent screen of the watch. You'd never know there are two screens, it doesn't add any extra size or weight, but it does reduce power consumption and is much more readable in different lighting conditions.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

It's the defining feature of the TicWatch Pro series, and Mobvoi redesigned the screen layout for the TicWatch 3 Pro to make it more consistent. Backlighting has also been added to ensure clarity in low light conditions. It makes a big difference.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The FTSN LCD shows the time, date, battery level and step count and is all you need from a screen that is always on. I can see it in daylight and in the dark and it doesn't seem to be affecting battery life at all.

battery

Amazingly, the TicWatch Pro 3's 595 mAh battery lasts three days before it needs to be charged. At first I didn't quite believe this and took special care to check the settings, monitor usage, and count the days it worked on my wrist. Not only did I get three days of life from it repeatedly, including an hour of exercise tracking on two of them, but with less use it was still on the fourth day. The battery life of many other Wear OS smartwatches rarely whistles beyond a full day. So having three days is something to celebrate.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

This is hardly known in earlier TicWatch Pro models and the Casio Pro Trek WSD-F30, which also uses the hardware approach for the second screen to ensure an always active view. It's sad that we don't see the dual-screen hardware setup for more smartwatches as it's clearly effective. The Snapdragon 4100 also plays a big role. Qualcomm claims to have reduced electricity consumption by 25%. Both Mobvoi and Qualcomm have really teamed up and improved the smartwatch's battery life significantly.

Qualcomm and Mobvoi really came together and significantly improved battery life.

If you want even more, there's Essential Mode, which turns off the OLED screen and leans on the LCD for the time, but continues to count steps and monitor sleep. Mobvoi claims this offers an excellent 45 days of usage versus 30 days claimed by other smartwatch manufacturers. You can really take the TicWatch 3 Pro with you for a long weekend without the hassle of grabbing the charger and still using both screens, or disappearing into the wild for a month and still having time on your wrist in the end.

The only downside is the charging, which is slow compared to some other Wear OS watches, taking around an hour and 40 minutes to go from 5% to full. That being said, the TicWatch 3 Pro's battery life really impresses with the hardware and improved Essential mode, and is a real reason to buy this smartwatch over many others.

Performance and software

Everything works quickly. If that sounds obvious with modern technology, you've never used a Wear OS watch with 512MB of RAM. The combination of the Snapdragon Wear 4100 and 1GB of RAM means everything works when you want it to. Apps open quickly, you can scroll through Google Maps and switch faces in no time. It's a world apart from the worst Snapdragon 3100 watches and a really good omen for the future of Wear OS.

The increase in performance should mean an all round better experience, right? I thought so, but the TicWatch 3 Pro needs to be optimized. With no rotating crown or bezel, the menus need to be wiped, and there's something pretty muddy about the TicWatch software. It doesn't flow like it should and usually requires a lot more wiping than I'd like. Sometimes taps and swipes are also misinterpreted, which leads me to options that I haven't selected and then slows down because it's confused.

You'll also have to play around with the settings a little to make them more user-friendly. Tilt-to-wake is not active by default and is essential. Otherwise, when notifications come in, you'll have to physically tap the screen to switch from the constantly on second screen. Mobvoi has created its own Wear OS launcher standard. While this is fine, I prefer the look of the default Google launcher, and you'll need to check the settings to change it.

The software still needs to be optimized – there are usability problems.

Then there are the many Mobvoi apps that are installed. There's Ticbreathe, TicExercise, TicHealth, TicHearing, TicOxygen, and TicKitchenSink (maybe). All of them require you to create a Mobvoi account. The general accounts only offer Google Fit. However, you need the TicOxygen app to measure the blood oxygen content (Sp02). It's attractive and fast, although the accuracy and usefulness of this metric continues to be in question for most people.

The notifications from Wear OS are terrible too, perhaps even worse on the TicWatch than on others I test. I received a small percentage of notifications when connected to the LG Wing and the OnePlus 8T. It's such a hit or miss too. Without the Outlook app installed on the watch, I won't get any Outlook notifications, but even if it's installed I still don't get all of them. Incredibly frustrating. I wore the TicWatch Pro 3 right after checking out the Apple Watch Series 6 which came in with 100% notifications, so the silence from Wear OS just got worse.

Health tracking

Most of Mobvoi's apps are related to health and activity tracking, and many replicate the capabilities of Google Fit. However, there are some advantages to using it. TicHealth has more data on your wrist than Fit without having to visit the app on your phone. I like the overall design of TicBreathe and TicZen, although the stress test takes a long time to run. There's a sleep tracking app too, but I didn't find the watch comfortable enough to wear all night.

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The TicWatch 3 Pro has a heart rate sensor, an integrated GPS, IP68 waterproofness for use in the pool and Sp02 blood oxygen measurement. Google Fit works with all of these sensors and is attractive and easy to use. The data collected is logically arranged in the Fit app on your phone, but isn't detailed enough for the really dedicated fitness fan, and Mobvoi's own collection of apps doesn't change that.

Overall, the TicWatch 3 Pro does a good job as an casual fitness tracking system, and I really like the way you can focus your daily goals on heart points rather than steps that seem like a better way to measure your effectiveness assess daily activities.

Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

What the TicWatch 3 Pro doesn't offer is much more than any other smartwatch when it comes to activity tracking or additional sensors. It's knowledgeable and perfectly acceptable to someone like me who wants quick digestible data and quick-to-activate workout tracking, but not someone who wants comprehensive hardcore sports training data.

Price and availability

The TicWatch 3 Pro is priced at $ 299 or £ 289 is now available from Amazon.

Our opinion

The TicWatch 3 Pro shows that Wear OS hardware is a lifetime, but it also reminds us that Google's software holds back even the most powerful watch. Mobvoi's smartwatch isn't the prettiest you can buy, but it does a lot of things right, from the second always-on screen to using the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100. This means more convenience, longer battery life and faster apps for you.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want the Snapdragon Wear 4100, the TicWatch 3 Pro is your only choice. That situation means it stands on its own right now and just an aversion to the design should make you consider another Wear OS smartwatch.

However, Wear OS is still frustrating and you can buy better smartwatches that don't use Google software. We recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 for owners of Android phones and the Apple Watch SE or Series 6 for iPhone owners.

How long it will take?

With the Snapdragon Wear 4100, Qualcomm's latest smartwatch platform, you get the only smartwatch currently available. Hence, in terms of performance, it is the best choice in terms of longevity. The watch is IP68 waterproof and the reinforced nylon case should prove to be very robust. The quick release strap is easy to change if you don't like it or if it breaks.

The only question mark is above the software. Google provides updates for Wear OS regularly, but rarely includes important new features. However, due to the large amount of Mobvoi software on board, the watch needs ongoing support from both companies in order to stay up to date. Regardless, you can buy the TicWatch 3 Pro with the confidence that it will last two years or more.

Should you buy one?

Yes, the Snapdragon Wear 4100's perks, the superb screen that always shows up, and the long battery life outweigh the software frustrations.

Editor's recommendations




01 Oct
Blog

How Wearable Tech Can Improve Your Life

Our entry into the digital age means that today we have access to all kinds of technology. In fact, many of us rely on technology on a daily basis in both work and personal life. From running smartphones with us everywhere, to using our laptops and the superfast broadband network to get online, we use technology for all kinds of purposes and on a regular basis.

Another type of technology that has gained popularity in recent years is wearable technology and there are all kinds of wearable tech products out there these days. From smartwatches and fitness trackers to head-mounted displays (HMDs) and smart clothing, you can find an incredible array of great wearable technology these days. You can also get great deals by using promotions like B&H Photo Video online codes to help cut the cost of certain wearable tech purchases.

In this article, we're going to look at some of the options and how they can benefit you.

What are the advantages?

No matter what type of smart wearable device you use these days, you can look forward to a multitude of benefits. The most widely used wearable devices include smartwatches, which, when connected to your smartphone, offer you absolute ease and convenience. You can then do all sorts of things just by using your watch, such as: B. Receive and send messages, access notifications, track fitness, and more. You can get these watches at reasonable prices nowadays too, making them perfect for those looking to add extra comfort.

Another very popular wearable is the fitness tracker, which is perfect for those who want to improve their fitness and track their progress. These trackers can monitor all sorts of aspects related to fitness, such as: These include the number of steps you take, calories burned, your heart rate, and various other fitness-related metrics. These are great little devices that are easy to carry, offer the ultimate in comfort, and can really help you get in shape and improve your health.

For those who are really interested in wearables, head-mounted displays or HMDs are a great idea and offer the ultimate in futuristic convenience. As the name suggests, they are worn on the head and can bring the display of your device into your field of view without looking down at your device. These HMDs can be used as monitors, provide augmented reality displays or even immerse you in a whole new world with virtual reality.

Great as a gift for loved ones

These are just some of the wearables you can get these days to make your life better and bring you comfort and ease. These are also items that make great gifts. So, you can help improve the lives of your loved ones by purchasing items like these as gifts for special occasions.

01 Oct
Blog

How Wearable Tech Can Improve Your Life

Our entry into the digital age means that today we have access to all kinds of technology. In fact, many of us rely on technology on a daily basis in both work and personal life. From running smartphones with us everywhere, to using our laptops and the superfast broadband network to get online, we use technology for all kinds of purposes and on a regular basis.

Another type of technology that has gained popularity in recent years is wearable technology and there are all kinds of wearable tech products out there these days. From smartwatches and fitness trackers to head-mounted displays (HMDs) and smart clothing, you can find an incredible array of great wearable technology these days. You can also get great deals by using promotions like B&H Photo Video online codes to help cut the cost of certain wearable tech purchases.

In this article, we're going to look at some of the options and how they can benefit you.

What are the advantages?

No matter what type of smart wearable device you use these days, you can look forward to a multitude of benefits. The most widely used wearable devices include smartwatches, which, when connected to your smartphone, offer you absolute ease and convenience. You can then do all sorts of things just by using your watch, such as: B. Receive and send messages, access notifications, track fitness, and more. You can get these watches at reasonable prices nowadays too, making them perfect for those looking to add extra comfort.

Another very popular wearable is the fitness tracker, which is perfect for those who want to improve their fitness and track their progress. These trackers can monitor all sorts of aspects related to fitness, such as: These include the number of steps you take, calories burned, your heart rate, and various other fitness-related metrics. These are great little devices that are easy to carry, offer the ultimate in comfort, and can really help you get in shape and improve your health.

For those who are really interested in wearables, head-mounted displays or HMDs are a great idea and offer the ultimate in futuristic convenience. As the name suggests, they are worn on the head and can bring the display of your device into your field of view without looking down at your device. These HMDs can be used as monitors, provide augmented reality displays or even immerse you in a whole new world with virtual reality.

Great as a gift for loved ones

These are just some of the wearables you can get these days to make your life better and bring you comfort and ease. These are also items that make great gifts. So, you can help improve the lives of your loved ones by purchasing items like these as gifts for special occasions.

31 Jul
Blog

EufyCam 2 Pro Review: Long Battery Life, And Not Much More

"Long battery life means you can place the EufyCam 2 Pro without having to worry about cables."

  • 365 days of battery life

  • Loud siren

  • Anti-theft device

  • The faces are not clear at night

  • Camera could be better

The eufyCam 2 Pro The wireless home security camera system had the potential to shake up the flood of intelligent surveillance cameras on the market. It asserts itself, but is not noticeable.

eufyCam 2 Pro outsideAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

installation

The EufyCam 2 Pro is supplied as a single camera ($ 150) or as a double pack with two cameras and the Eufy HomeBase 2 ($ 350). I would recommend accessing the package with HomeBase 2 if you don't already have one. You cannot use the EufyCam 2 Pro without HomeBase, so you still need it. HomeBase 2 is a hub that connects cameras, stores footage, and acts as a Wi-Fi repeater to improve your Wi-Fi so your cameras get a strong signal.

This is very helpful if your signal is not the best or you have a large distance between your router and your cameras. On the other hand, the HomeBase occupies an additional Ethernet connection on your router and an additional socket that you probably cannot save.

HomeBase 2 on the shelfAlina Bradford / Digital Trends

The installation of this camera is super easy. The EufyCam 2 Pro is magnetic so you can stick it to a veranda railing or almost any other metal surface. If you don't have anything to stick on, you can attach a mounting bracket with a few screws and then rotate the camera onto the bracket. All in all, it took about 10 minutes to mount the camera and another five minutes to set it up with the app and Eufy HomeBase 2. However, direct sunlight can blind the camera. Take this into account when thinking about a place to put it.

Video

The video from the EufyCam 2 Pro is comparable to most other high-end surveillance cameras such as the Arlo Pro 3. It can be switched between HD 1080p or 2K HD with a large field of view of 140 degrees. If you place the camera 7 to 10 feet high, it can see a range of up to 30 feet, so a camera can cover a large area of ​​your garden. The video clarity is pretty good, with realistic colors, very little distortion and good contrast. I wish Eufy had climbed up to 4K resolution like the Arlo Ultra Smart Cam.

Eufy tackled the problem by adding Smart Image Enhancement.

A problem with some cameras is that the further a person is away, the more grainy the image of the person. The faces are clear and rich in contrast within a few meters. At about 10 feet, faces are much more difficult to see; You can get the general shape, but it is difficult for you to recognize the characteristics of a stranger. Eufy tackled the problem by adding Smart Image Enhancement. When a face is recognized by A.I., pixels in the image are lightened and deleted to make the faces clearer.

Night vision is in black and white, but the lack of color doesn't bother me. The video is clear in very poor lighting conditions. Despite the smart image enhancement, the camera has problems with faces at night. The camera washed out almost all the facial features of my fair-skinned test subjects, even if they were only a few meters away.

eufyCam 2 Pro video at night

Other cameras, such as those from Ring and Arlo, charge a subscription fee for video storage packages. I hate that. I have enough subscriptions in my life. One of my favorite features of the EufyCam 2 Pro is that you don't have to pay to save videos. Video material is stored locally in HomeBase 2 instead of in the cloud. It has 16 GB of storage, which doesn't seem like a lot, but it does the job as long as you delete unnecessary videos. Old videos are automatically deleted, but it's probably better to remove and sort them out yourself so that what you want to keep is not deleted.

Additional functions

In addition to the clarity and storage of the video, the EufyCam 2 Pro offers some notable features that are useful. A surprising option is the ability to put any camera and HomeBase 2 in anti-theft mode. This means that when someone moves the camera or HomeBase, an alarm sounds. It would be nice if Eufy also offered to replace stolen cameras like Ring does, but I still find the alarm function cool.

Many newer surveillance cameras have a microphone and a speaker, so you can use the app on your phone to talk to anyone who is near the camera. The EufyCam 2 Pro also offers this option. The two-way audio is fine and you can adjust the volume in the app. I wish it had noise cancellation to make voices clearer like the Ring Stick Up Cam. You can also mute the microphone and speaker independently.

It is difficult to say how true the claim of a one-year battery life is in everyday household life.

The company says the EufyCam 2 Pro can last 365 days on a single charge if the camera records about 300 seconds of footage a day. If that were true, it would certainly make it stand out from other cameras. Six months are usually the max. Unfortunately, after just one day with the cameras, the battery indicator found that the performance had dropped by 1%. It is therefore difficult to say how true the claim of a one-year battery life is in everyday household use.

The app has a power manager option for each camera that can extend the life of the battery. You can set the camera to the optimal battery life mode, which limits video clips to 20 seconds to prevent the battery from draining. In an optimal surveillance mode, clips can be up to 60 seconds long, and in a custom capture mode you can choose how long clips should last.

eufyCam 2 Pro and HomeBase 2 part 2Alina Bradford / Digital Trends

To save even more battery life (and reduce the number of notifications), you can choose when your camera records by adding it to a schedule or choosing a specific mode. You can also control how many warnings you get by turning off motion detection, adjusting motion sensitivity, selecting detection areas, or recording only when the camera detects someone.

Like any good smart surveillance camera, it can connect to your home assistant. The EufyCam 2 Pro connects to the three big ones: Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

The EufyCam 2 Pro also has a 100 dB siren that is loud enough to scare someone. If you really want to make an explanation, you should opt for the Ring Floodlight Cam, which has a 110 dB siren. This extra 10 dB makes a big difference.

Our opinion

Overall, I was simply not enthusiastic about this intelligent surveillance camera. It's a good choice, but if you void the claim that the battery lasts for a year, there are better cameras on the market. Check out our summary of the best outdoor security cameras for 2020 to find some alternative options.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes. If you are looking for excellent video quality, the Arlo Ultra Smart Cam is hard to beat. It has 4K resolution and an incredible 180 degree field of view. However, my personal favorite is the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight. Not only does it have excellent resolution, it also has a 160-degree field of view and floodlights that illuminate most of your garden. In this scorecard you can see how surveillance cameras fit head to head outdoors.

Will it take?

The cameras are made of thick hard plastic and are weatherproof according to IP67, so they are designed for a long service life. There is also a one-year limited warranty. You would think sticking the cameras to things would affect their longevity, but the magnets are super strong and once the cameras are stuck you need to use some force to remove them.

Should you buy it

No. There are simply too many other cameras on the market that offer better functions.

Editor's recommendations




23 May
Blog

JLab Audio Studio ANC Review: Big-Time Battery Life

JLab Studio ANC headphones

"JLab offers excellent battery life and ANC at a very attractive price."

  • Incredibly good battery life

  • Serviceable ANC on a budget

  • Very affordable

  • Not the most convenient

  • Modest sound quality

As a rule of thumb, any product that offers an all-star range at a rock-bottom price initially has a twofold reaction: intrigue, then skepticism.

When the $ 59 Studio ANC headphones from JLab Audio arrived with the promise of more than 30 hours of battery life and active noise cancellation on the packaging on my doorstep, I was optimistic to find out if this new on-ear offering was actually available good – or too good to be true.

Out of the box

I will not waste time describing the packaging of the Studio ANC to you, as it is a largely unforgettable case. It's no small thing at JLab – it's not a bad thing that they focused on the present rather than the wrapping paper.

JLab Studio ANC headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The headphones are supplied with a surprisingly padded travel bag, an additional cable, a USB charging cable and a user manual. You do not need the manual to connect the Studio ANC to your mobile device as this is standard if you ever have experience with Bluetooth pairing. However, I would recommend reading the manual to fully understand the controls that are distributed across the four buttons on the headphones.

JLab equips the Studio ANC with Bluetooth 5 technology, which is solid considering that much more expensive headphones still work with older versions of Bluetooth that lack the range and speed advantages of the newer technology.

After some time with these headphones, my connection was easy. The range was also exceptional, so I could move around my house without worrying about a break while my phone was charging.

design

Studio ANC's on-ear style makes it a kind of mediator between over-ear headphones and in-ear wearables, which leads to a mixture of advantages and disadvantages.

At 141 grams, the Studio ANC are much lighter than many full over-ear cans. At the same time, they keep the design of their bigger brothers and only underline the subtle aesthetic that has made in-ears so popular.

The Studio ANC have ear cups, which JLab calls "Cloud Foam", and an adjustable headband made of synthetic leather. It is a comfortable combination at first, but I couldn't help noticing that the feeling wears off over time. For most, it may not be a big deal, but the headphones created more pressure than necessary, and it has become a factor in longer listening sessions.

You will find four buttons on the right. There is a round power switch that allows you to answer or end calls in the moonlight and activate the voice assistant of your choice. There are volume buttons that you can use to scroll through the tracks. And there is the active noise canceling button, which is camouflaged as well as the JLab logo on the right ear cup that I would have completely overlooked without the manual.

properties

I immediately feel compelled to address one of JLab's greatest demands first: more than 34 hours of playback without ANC and more than 28 hours with the function activated. For comparison, the recently released Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are 20 hours or less without ANC and are priced at $ 250.

JLab Studio ANC headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

If the Studio ANC has a catch, the battery life is not sufficient. I have listened to them regularly over the past week and have not even unpacked the charging cable. This is remarkable for headphones at this price and one of the best aspects of Studio ANC for me.

There is not much to mention in terms of features. The integration of the voice assistant works well and I was able to use Amazon Alexa as my standard A.I. Do. although JLab only lists Apple's Siri and Google Assistant as options. It was okay to go for walks, although I would warn against exercising with them. There is no waterproof rating for Studio ANC on the JLab website. This gives cause for concern as to how they would withstand sweat or rain.

Audio quality

If you've been waiting for the moment when these headphones have inevitably returned to Earth, you've come to the right place. Despite the reasonable comfort and some great features for little money, the Studio ANC sounds just the way it is – just another pair of headphones for $ 60.

JLab Studio ANCNick Woodard / Digital Trends

That doesn't mean they're bad. If you listen almost exclusively to podcasts these days (like yours really), I would recommend them without hesitation. You don't need enough audio quality to enjoy Conan O & # 39; Brien Needs a Friend, and Studio ANC fits that bill exactly.

However, if you are hoping for solid cans to listen to music, you may want to continue shopping. Regardless of the genre, I couldn't escape an apparently distant sound with a strangely hollow low-end. In this case, you get what you pay for, and I wouldn't buy it if you expected great, affordable audio quality based on the Shure SE 112.

There is no equalizer with which you can create the audio of the Studio ANC. However, a JLab branding tool is available for download. They recommend a burn-in time of at least 40 hours – which in a nutshell means that different tones and frequencies are played through the headphones in order to achieve optimal performance.

In addition to the microphones designed for active noise cancellation, the Studio ANC has a third microphone that allows you to receive your voice for phone calls. I found the call quality admirable so that my conversations could break through the turbulence of a windy spring day while walking.

Active noise cancellation

Active noise cancellation in the Studio ANC is a no-frills feature. It only offers an ANC level and there is no ambient sound mode. You have a button to turn on and off and that's it.

JLab Studio ANC headphonesNick Woodard / Digital Trends

The ANC function is effective at least in connection with budget headphones. If you activate the ANC function, you will not have an uninterrupted listening room, but you will hear hard noises such as lawn mowers or power tools that are damped to a certain extent. If you want more effective noise cancellation, you have to pay for it. Otherwise the Studio ANC can be serviced in this department for its price.

JLab is not the only company that makes extremely cheap ANC headphones. Anker makes a pair with hybrid ANC at similar prices, and companies like Cowin and TaoTronics are also on the market. However, we haven't had a chance to test these other products yet. Therefore, I cannot currently judge how well the Studio ANC is stacking up.

Our opinion

While JLab has missed the brand in terms of audio quality, the company has still delivered incredibly affordable headphones with excellent battery life and adequate active noise cancellation.

Are there any better alternatives?

The $ 70 Shure SE 112 are currently our most popular, affordable headphones, and offer great sound quality at a price that won't take your toll on your finances. If you don't mind spending more on a product with similar battery life and improved audio, the Sony WH-CH710N for $ 199 is a good option.

How long will they last?

The Studio ANC feels sturdy enough, although I wouldn't back up my bets on cheap headphones that are build quality to withstand the test of time.

Should you buy them

Yes. They are not for audio enthusiasts. For less than $ 60, you get a pair of headphones that last for almost an entire week without a fee. These are useful for people who are looking for a simple, affordable, and reliable set of cans.

Editor's recommendations




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